The Art of Network Engineering

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The (PA)NUG podcast panel of William Collins, Andy Lapteff, Ned Bellavance, and Drew Conry-Murray highlights the evolving landscape of network engineering, focusing on the essential skills required for future success, including automation and cloud technologies. Panelists emphasize the importance of foundational networking knowledge, mentorship, and the integration of security into network design, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.
• Exploration of the changing network engineering landscape
• Emphasis on the importance of automation and scripting skills
• Discussion on retaining fundamental knowledge in networking
• Insights on securing networks within cloud infrastructure
• Importance of mentorship and continuous learning
• Perspectives on the future of AI in network engineering
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In this episode, we chat with Russ White! Russ has made significant contributions to Networking, such as writing some of the very RFCs we use today! Russ hold’s a Ph D., is one of a handful of Cisco Certified Architects, and is the host of the Hedge Podcast, among other things. Please enjoy our conversation with Russ!

More from Russ:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rtggeek
Website: https://rule11.tech/
Podcast: https://rule11.tech/hedge/

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A.J., Dan, and Andy talk strategies for tracking progress on goals. As always, we get off the main topic but we cover a lot of great stuff in this episode, like how to properly use flashcards, using practice exams as a tool, and not waiting until just before your scheduled exam. We also celebrate breaking 30K downloads! All because of ya’ll!

Andy covers the Star-Spangled Banner – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azH9bXy2Ojg
A.J. sherpa lined hoodie from LL Bean
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Andy talks to the winner of his home lab – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2OyMLmcaXs
Anki Flash Cards – https://apps.ankiweb.net/
Alternate iOS (Free) Anki App – https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ankiapp-flashcards/id689185915

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The divide between network engineers and developers has long been a source of frustration, misunderstanding, and blame in the tech world. When applications fail, the classic refrain "it's the network" often echoes through organizations, leaving network engineers scrambling to prove their innocence while developers remain convinced of their code's perfection.
In this enlightening conversation, former Cisco developer advocate Erika Dietrick joins hosts Andy Lapteff and Jeff Clark to unpack the root causes of this technological rift. Erika offers a rare dual perspective, having worked both as a software engineer and in Cisco's Technical Assistance Center (TAC). She explains how educational paths create fundamentally different mindsets: "Developers learn to code, period. We do not learn how our computer works. We do not learn how the network works."
Andy shares his personal struggles with learning automation, admitting to starting and quitting "every Python class on planet Earth." This prompts Erika's most valuable insight – that learning to "think like a developer" matters more than syntax or commands. The conversation explores how network engineers often find themselves drowning in daily operational tasks while being expected to add coding skills "for no more money," creating resistance to automation despite its potential benefits.
The discussion takes unexpected turns through topics like cultural differences between teams, the challenges of breaking technical silos, and how AI might actually help bridge these gaps without replacing human expertise. Erika outlines her upcoming free course designed specifically for network engineers learning to code with AI – addressing the exact educational gap that has frustrated network professionals for years.
Whether you identify more with Andy's automation struggles or Jeff's enthusiasm for Python scripting, this episode offers practical perspectives on healing the developer-networker divide.

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In this episode, Lexie, Tim, and guest co-host, from our Cables2Clouds team, Tim McConnaughy, talk about the pros and cons of being engaging on Social Media.
We are supported by sponsors like: Forward Networks!
Forward Networks delivers a mathematical model (or “digital twin”) of the network that enables advanced security and reliability across complex on-prem and multi-cloud environments.
Visti https://www.forwardnetworks.com/ today!

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